While there’s no confirmed start date yet, preparatory work is ongoing and it’s hoped that work onsite willbegin in the Spring.

Stuart Hannell, regional estates manager for the RNLI, said: “The new station is being built to house the cutting-edge Shannon class lifeboat. The Shannon’s superior speed and manoeuvrability will allow the RNLI crew to respond to emergencies more quickly, covering a larger stretch of coastline and offering greater protection to local fishermen, visitors, and seafarers.

“We are delighted to see this project progressing. The new lifeboat station will be a game-changer for our dedicated volunteer crew, allowing us to reach those in need even more efficiently. We appreciate the community’s patience and support during the construction phase.”

The boat hall in the current lifeboat station is too small for the new boat and it is not economically viable to expand on the current site.  Following a consultation and planning process it was agreed in 2020 that the new shed would be built at the opposite side of the East Basin car park, and the old station would then be demolished to allow for car parking to be reinstated.

While the work is taking place, the East Basin car park and access to the beach will be closed to the public. This is a necessary part of the process to keep everyone safe while construction continues. To reduce the impact on businesses and services in the town a temporary, park and ride car park has been built, near the Co-operative Supermarket, in Anstruther.

A bus will run daily, during peak times, to transfer visitors and locals from the car park to the harbour area throughout the day. This is all being provided by the RNLI at considerable expense for the charity.

A traffic management plan has been prepared to minimise disruption, and regular updates will be provided on the council’s website and through social media. The build is expected to take around 18 months to complete.

Councillor Altany Craik, Fife Council spokesperson for Finance, Economy and Strategic Planning, said: “The new lifeboat station will mark a considerable investment by the RNLI in Fife and the East Neuk in particular. The state-of-the-art facility will not only enhance lifesaving capabilities but also ensure that Anstruther remains at the heart of maritime safety for generations to come.

“While we acknowledge there will be some short-term disruptions, we are working closely with the RNLI to keep the community informed and to mitigate any inconvenience. I know the local community will get behind this amazing project as the RNLI holds a very special place in their hearts. “

Construction is set to begin soon and is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete. Residents and businesses can stay informed by visiting Fife Council’s website, where updates on traffic management and project developments will be posted regularly.

To enable this work, the East Basin car park will need to be closed for the duration of the work. A new car park will be built on the site of the old lifeboat station, once that is demolished.

Anstruther East Basin car park is situated at East Shore, in Anstruther. The car park is next to the current lifeboat shed and opposite the Scottish Fisheries Museum.

It is hoped the work will start this Spring. A definite date is yet to be agreed. The work is expected to last around 18 months. A full Traffic Management Plan has been prepared.

The car park will remain closed for the duration but the parking spaces on East Shore are unlikely to be affected. Any disruption to traffic using Shore Street and East Shore is expected to be brief and irregular.